A multimillion-dollar 52-room hotel and 96-bed backpacker lodge is planned for central Christchurch.

The Hotel on Hereford is to be built on the site of a row of old houses between Barbadoes St and Fitzgerald Ave.

Unlike most other recent hotel projects in Christchurch targeting the executive and luxury markets, the complex will provide budget accommodation, for short and long term stays. Nightly rates will $75 to $85.

Developer and builder Andy Wong, of Christchurch, bought the six houses from the Anglican Church after the earthquakes, seeing a need for new budget accommodation.

"Auckland, Wellington, Sydney - they all have places you can stay for under the $100 mark, but you really can't get anything like that here," he said.

Central Christchurch lost several budget hotels and backpacker hostels , many of which had been in older buildings, in the earthquakes.

Wong said his concept was similar to a low-rise version of the former Hotel So in Cashel St, which had hi-tech pod-style rooms. He is looking for a hotel operator to buy and run the business once the complex is built.

Wong's real estate agent Harry Lim, of NAI Harcourts, said the hotel design was flexible and could be altered to an operator's requirements.

Motels, serviced apartments, long-stay workers' accommodation, and a convenience store and cafe could also be part of the complex.

Wong owns Con Tech Building Ltd, and his recent property developments have included Joyful Restaurant in Riccarton.